Overall cargo volume at Port Saint John for the year 2020 was 25,984,654 metric tonnes (MT), representing a 2% increase over 2019.

In the container sector, both TEUs and tonnage experienced year-over-year increases in 2020, with TEUs increasing to 79,179 TEUs (15% over 2019) and tonnage increasing to 580,279 MT (19% over 2019).    This is the fourth consecutive year of growth in the container sector.

“Container sector growth continues to be a primary focus at Port Saint John,” said Jim Quinn, President and CEO. “Our partnership with DP World blends their global reach and influence with our terminal modernization project to achieve the common objective of continued growth.  Additionally, we were pleased in 2020 to continue our excellent relationship with CN and further strengthen and develop partnerships with supply chain partners in the rail and shipping sector as we look forward to a bright future for the Port and its supporting port service community.”

In other cargo sectors, dry bulk cargoes increased from 649,272 MT to 854,243 MT in 2020, driven primarily by Saskatchewan-mined Nutrien potash which is exported by Canpotex from Saint John to South American markets from Barrack Point Potash Terminal.

Several major developments occurred in 2020 that will continue to positively impact container cargo at Port Saint John. These are: The continuation of the $205 million West Side Modernization Project construction which launched early in 2020 and which is due to be complete in 2023 in funding partnership with the Government of Canada, Province of New Brunswick, and Port Saint John; the launch of CP Rail’s East Coast Advantage strategy and rail services through acquisition and improvement of the former CMQR line in the State of Maine, solidifying Port Saint John as the only Atlantic Canadian port with two Class I national rail providers; and the announcement that Hapag Lloyd will join MSC and CMA CGM as a regular container service provider at the Port in 2021. (photo Port Saint John)